You might be wondering how long Invisalign takes to straighten your teeth. To find out the answer to this question, learn more here!

1. A Typical Time Frame

In general, Invisalign will take about twelve months to straighten your teeth. 



After your initial consultation with your orthodontist will prescribe a treatment plan for your teeth. If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, X-rays and impressions of your teeth are required. After Invisalign makes the trays, you'll get to pick them up at your orthodontist's office. 

You'll need to revisit your dentist every two weeks for new aligners. All the while, your teeth are getting refined. 

After your Invisalign treatment, you may be required to wear a retainer. This will allow your jawline time to solidify around your new tooth placements.

2. Variations in the Timeline

There are times when Invisalign may take longer or shorter than the average year. If, for example, you have gaps in your teeth, additional time may be needed. This is because some teeth will have further to move before they are correctly placed.

If your teeth are a bit crowded, the correction may take less than a year. If, however, your crowding is severe, you may require a longer treatment time. Your dentist will need to keep creating new aligners until your teeth make the correct adjustments.

Believe it or not, children can wear aligners such as Invisalign instead of traditional braces as long as their mouths are in the right developmental stage. Invisalign can, however, take longer in children if they don't properly care for them.



Children may take their aligners and forget to put them back in, for example. Before choosing Invisalign for your child, make sure you're certain they have the maturity to care for them properly.

3. Other Types of Braces

Invisalign is just one way to correct crooked or crowded teeth. Traditional metal braces are an inexpensive option that's popular with children and teens. This style is the most visible, and young people sometimes like to express themselves with different colored wires.



A slightly more expensive and less visible option is ceramic braces. These use tooth-colored or clear braces that blend with your tooth color. These require careful cleaning, and brackets may be more fragile.

Lingual braces are an even more expensive option, but they are almost invisible. These use brackets and wires that get placed on the inside of your teeth. These braces can be uncomfortable at first, and they can require extra cleaning.

4. Invisalign Timeline vs. Traditional Braces Timeline

People wear traditional braces for an average of eighteen months to three years. Regular check-ups and care with diet can help to lessen your time frame.  Traditional braces take a while because your teeth are attached to bones, which need to be gently guided into new positions.



Compared to traditional braces. The year or so of Invisalign treatment is fast. This is one reason why so many folks choose them first when they're considering braces.

5. Choosing an Orthodontist

When you're searching for an orthodontist, it's important to do a little homework first. Make sure you choose a local orthodontist, as chances are you'll be returning to them several times over the course of your treatment.

See if you can get some recommendations from friends and family members, and don't be afraid to ask questions. 

Was the orthodontist skilled and knowledgeable? Were they happy with the results of their treatment? Were there any unexpected fees? 

If you can't get any personal recommendations, look up orthodontists in your area online. When you call, ask for some references. Call them up and see if what you're hearing in-person matches up with online reviews.

Make sure to get at least three different estimates before choosing an orthodontist to do the work. You'll want to make sure that what you'll be paying is reasonable for your treatment type and geographical area.

You can check with your orthodontist and see what type of payment plans they offer. Some practices, for example, will give you a discount if you pay for the entire treatment upfront. Others will allow you to pay your braces off a little each month.

Make sure that you get your payment schedule in writing so that there are no surprises later on. The right professional will patiently explain all of the fees to you. Dentists like Advanced Dental Care in Orthodontics in Columbia, IL offer quality Invisalign services at reasonable prices.

Smilin' With Your Brand New Teeth

The right treatment for straight teeth will depend upon your needs and wants when it comes to braces. With Invisalign, there's a comfortable treatment and a short wait for the beautiful smile you've always dreamed of.



Don't stop improving your oral health now. For more information on Invisalign, contact us today.